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At least 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

The tracking system analytic calibration activity for Mariner Mars 1971: Its function and scope

The functions of the Tracking System Analytic Calibration activity for Mariner Mars 1971 (MM'71), its objectives for this and future missions, and the support provided to the MM'71 Navigation Team during operations are described. Support functions encompass calibration of tracking data by estimating physical parameters whose uncertainties represent limitations to navigational accuracy, and detailed analysis of the tracking data to uncover and resolve any anomalies. Separate articles treat the activities and results of producing calibrations for the various error sources: Deep Space Station Locations, timing and polar motion, charged particles, and the troposphere. Two other articles are also included discussing the effects of the media error sources on orbit determination and the merits of the smoothing technique used for DRIVID.

Madrid, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The signature of parallel electric fields in a collisionless plasma

The presence of a parallel electric field in the magnetosphere should be apparent through its effect on particles. An analysis is made of particle trajectories in phase space for a steady state collisionless plasma. The analysis utilizes the concepts of distribution function, total energy, and magnetic moment because all three quantities are conserved in a steady state situation in the absence of collisions. Two methods are presented for using particle data to gain information on the potential distribution. The first method involves the use of measurements of both ion and electron distribution functions and invokes the principle of quasi-neutrality. The second method involves the observation of discontinuities in velocity space which can be interpreted in terms of the effect of the electric field on the apparent loss or source cone.

Whipple, E. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A balloon measurement of the isotopic composition of galactic cosmic ray boron, carbon and nitrogen

The isotopic compositions of galactic cosmic ray boron, carbon, and nitrogen were measured at energies near 300 MeV amu, using a balloon-borne instrument at an atmospheric depth of approximately 5 g/sq cm. The calibrations of the detectors comprising the instrument are described. The saturation properties of the cesium iodide scintillators used for measurement of particle energy are studied in the context of analyzing the data for mass. The achieved rms mass resolution varies from approximately 0.3 amu at boron to approximately 0.5 amu at nitrogen, consistent with a theoretical analysis of the contributing factors. Corrected for detector interactions and the effects of the residual atmosphere the results are B-10/B=0.33 (+0.17, -0.11), C-13/C=0.06 (+0.13, -0.11), and N-15/N=0.42 (+0.19, -0.17). A model of galactic propagation and solar modulation is described. Assuming a cosmic ray source composition of solar-like isotopic abundances, the model predicts abundances near Earth consistent with the measurements.

Zumberge, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Uranian ring photometry - Results from Voyager 2

The rings of Uranus are characterized on the basis of an analysis of seven images obtained with a clear filter by Voyager 2 during its encounter with Uranus in January 1986. The data are presented graphically and compared with the predictions of theoretical models with different particle size distributions. Parameters determined include average particle Bond albedo 0.014 + or - 0.004, fractional area of the main rings in dust-size particles 0.002 or less, and average dust-particle size 1.0 + or - 0.3 microns for a Hansen-Hovenier (1974) distribution and a power-law distribution of spherical particles with spectral index 2.5 + or - 0.5.

Ockert, Maureen E.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Photochemical Phenomenology Model for the New Millennium

The "Photochemical Phenomenology Model for the New Millennium" project tackles the issue of reengineering and extension of validated physics-based modeling capabilities ("legacy" computer codes) to application-oriented software for use in science and science-support activities. While the design and architecture layouts are in terms of general particle distributions involved in scattering, impact, and reactive interactions, initial Photochemical Phenomenology Modeling Tool (PPMT) implementations are aimed at construction and evaluation of photochemical transport models with rapid execution for use in remote sensing data analysis activities in distributed systems. Current focus is on the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) data acquired during the CASSINI flyby of Jupiter. Overall, the project has stayed on the development track outlined in the Year 1 annual report and most Year 2 goals have been met. The issues that have required the most attention are: implementation of the core photochemistry algorithms; implementation of a functional Java Graphical User Interface; completion of a functional CORBA Component Model framework; and assessment of performance issues. Specific accomplishments and the difficulties encountered are summarized in this report. Work to be carried out in the next year center on: completion of testing of the initial operational implementation; its application to analysis of the CASSINI/CIRS Jovian flyby data; extension of the PPMT to incorporate additional phenomenology algorithms; and delivery of a mature operational implementation.

Bishop, James↗
NASA NTRS2005

Results and Implications of Mineralogical Models for Chemical Sediments at Meridiani Planum

The Mars Exploration Rover (MER) "Opportunity" has explored chemically-enriched sedimentary outcrops at Meridiani Planum, Mars. In its first year, three different crater sites - Eagle, Fram and Endurance - have been explored. Nineteen high-interest outcrop rocks were investigated by first grinding a hole to reach the interior (using the Rock Abrasion Tool, RAT), and then conducting APXS (alpha particle x-ray spectrometry) analysis, MB (M ssbauer) analysis, and close up imaging (MI, microscopic imager). Sixteen elements and four Fe-bearing minerals were assayed to good accuracy in each sample, producing 380 compositional data points. The Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer (Mini- TES) obtained spectra on outcrop materials which provide direct indication of several mineral classes. Preliminary reports on Eagle crater and three RAT samples have been published. Chemical trends and a derived mineralogical model for all RAT d outcrop samples to date has been developed.

Clark, B. C.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Twenty Years of NASA-EOS Multi-Sensor Satellite Observations at Kīlauea Volcano (2000–2019)

Recent eruptions of Kīlauea volcano, on the Island of Hawai'i, represent an ideal test location for studying volcanic plumes, due to its remote location and minimal anthropogenic pollution. Within this work we exploit the over 20-year data record from NASA EOS satellites to investigate the degree to which space-borne observations can detect shifts in known eruption dynamics at Kīlauea. Through the combined analysis of remotely sensed plume heights, plume particle microphysical properties, lava flow thermal tracking and high resolution SO2 mapping, we provide interpretations of the satellite signals in a volcanic context and link them to ground-based eruption reports for validation. We establish common patterns of plume dispersion and particle evolution and identify when significant shifts in activity occur. We also determine where ambient conditions influence the output retrieved from the space-borne sensors. By comparing the inferences derived from remote-sensing with the extensive record of suborbital observations at Kīlauea, we assess the strengths and limitations of the satellite-based volcanic assessment techniques. The work presented here highlights the capabilities of these techniques, allowing us to more confidently interpret volcanic activity observed from space globally, particularly in cases where ground observations are limited or entirely lacking.

volcano remote sensing↗
DOE OSTI2025

Precision Measurement of the Neutron Magnetic Form Factor via the Ratio Method at Jefferson Lab Hall A

Protons and neutrons, collectively known as nucleons, are composed of quarks and gluons. The Sachs electromagnetic form factors encode information about the spatial distributions of charge and magnetization in the nucleon, particularly at low momentum transfer. In particular, the neutron magnetic form factor (GMn) provides crucial information about the distribution of magnetization inside the neutron and helps constrain theoretical models of nucleon structure. Quasi-elastic electron scattering from deuterium was measured up to Q^2=13.5 GeV^2 using the Super BigBite Spectrometer in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. In this work, the neutron magnetic form factor GMn was extracted at Q^2 = 3.0 GeV^2 and Q^2=4.5 GeV^2 using the Ratio Method. These results represent a subset of the full dataset collected in this experiment, which extended to significantly higher Q^2. The extracted GMn values agree with the existing global fit within approximately two standard deviations at Q^2=3.0 and show excellent agreement at Q^2=4.5. The measurements achieved systematic uncertainties of about 2% and statistical uncertainties below 0.5%, among the most precise determinations of GMn at these kinematics. These results demonstrate the robustness of the experimental technique and provide an important validation point for future extractions at higher Q^2, where data remain scarce. In addition, the GRINCH heavy gas Cherenkov detector—a key component of the experimental apparatus—was commissioned and achieved an electron detection efficiency of approximately 97%, supporting reliable particle identification. Together, the analysis presented here advances both our understanding of nucleon structure and the validation of the experimental methods and instrumentation used to access it.

Satnik, Maria [College of William and Mary, Willia↗
DOE OSTI2020

Radioactive Source Localization via Bayesian Particle Filter

In the event of a misplaced radioactive source or other emergency situation, measuring a radiation field, mapping its distribution, and determining a source location are essential tasks to ameliorating the situation. However, radiation fields may be extremely hazardous to human surveyors and minimizing received radiation doses is just as essential. Robots appear to be a potential solution to these problems. Beyond simply measuring radiation, the robot's computer processing capabilities offer a way to apply complex data analysis methods to radiation measurements in real-time. Methods which predict likely source locations can then feed this information into other processes, potentially improving path planning and enabling more efficient measurements. Given a robot mounted with a gamma-ray detector, can we: develop a methodology to account for detector performance across a wide range of source angles, distances, and photon energies? operate an autonomously navigating robot to effectively survey and characterize an area of interest? implement a data analysis method, conventionally used in measurements of motion, for source localization purposes? An open-source TurtleBot 3 robot, running Robot Operating System (ROS) on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, was fitted with a Kromek GR1{sup R} Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) solid-state gamma-ray detector. As a part of ROS, the packages OpenSlam, gmapping, and amcl were used to perform Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), determining the robot's position and mapping the surrounding area. Data was acquired via Lidar mounted on top the TurtleBot 3. Detector Calibration Fit: The equation was fit to 365 counts of various energies, distances, and angles. A MATLAB{sup R} program was written to simulate measurements taken a robot on a random walk, with count data and positions discretized into finite element pixels. Using this program, a sample of 100 runs was performed on a map with a simulated source at the center, with a total of 200 of 2 pixels each. Similarly, multiple runs of the filter were performed on recorded robot measurement data. In both simulation and real tests, when corrected for errors (particles placed outside of bounds or on the robot, and simulation-specific errors), corresponding t-tests of predicted x and y-coordinates were within a 95% confidence interval of the actual position. For the real trial, these positions are slightly skewed right in the x-axis as the robot remained mainly to the left side of the source within the sample area. These simulations demonstrate potential validity for the usage of a particle filter as method of radioactive source localization. In the future, true real-time implementation and data fusion may further augment the performance of the robot to localize lost sources. Additionally, identification of multiple sources, determination of source types, and usage of a collimator are areas to potentially be explored.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1973

Satellite observations of type 3 solar radio bursts at low frequencies

Type III solar radio bursts were observed from 10 MHz to 10 KHz by satellite experiments above the terrestrial plasmasphere. Solar radio emission in this frequency range results from excitation of the interplanetary plasma by energetic particles propagating outward along open field lines over distances from 5 solar radii to at least 1 AU from the sun. This review summarizes the morphology, characteristics and analysis of individual as well as storms of bursts. Burst rise times are interpreted in terms of exciter length and dispersion while decay times refer to the radiation damping process. The combination of radio observations at the lower frequencies and in-situ measurements on nonrelativistic electrons at 1 AU provide data on the energy range and efficiency of the wave-particle interactions responsible for the radio emission.

Fainberg, J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Maven Observations of Tail Current Sheet Flapping at Mars

The Martian magnetotail is a complex regime through which atmospheric particles are lost to space. Our current understanding of Mars' tail continues to develop with the comprehensive particle and field data collected by Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN). In this work, we identify periods when MAVEN encounters multiple current sheet crossings through a single tail traversal in order to understand tail dynamics. We apply an analysis technique that has been developed and validated by using multipoint measurements in order to separate the spatial and temporal properties associated with current sheet flapping. Events are classified into periods of steady flapping, due to a global motion of the current sheet, and kink-like flapping, resulting from localized wave propagation along the tail current sheet. Out of 106 periods during which multiple current sheet crossings were observed, 20 were due to steady flapping and 10 from kink-like flapping. A majority of the kink-like events resulted from waves propagating in the opposite direction of the solar wind convection electric field, regardless of their location in the tail, unlike at Earth and Venus. This finding suggests that possible magnetosphere energy sources, whereby plasma is accelerated and removed from the Martian environment, are not located in the central magnetotail; rather, these waves may be driven by a source located at the tail flank based on the direction of the solar wind electric field. Therefore, by identifying potential sources of impulsive energy release in the tail, we may better understand mechanisms that drive atmospheric loss at Mars.

Atmospheric Particles↗
DOE OSTI2020

Ice Nucleating Particles, Aerosols and Clouds over the Higher Latitude Southern Ocean

Improved understanding of aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions is a key goal of the DOE-ASR program. Ice Nucleating Particles (INPs) are rare aerosol particles that trigger ice formation in clouds. By doing so they may initiate precipitation in clouds, and this impacts cloud lifetime. Nowhere may the role of INPs be manifested so dramatically as in the Southern Ocean (SO). This vast region was the focus of the DOE-ARM MARCUS (Measurement of Aerosols, Radiation and CloUds over the Southern Oceans) and MICRE (Macquarie Island Cloud and Radiation Experiment) campaigns. In the SO, a deficit of INPs has been a leading hypothesis for why liquid clouds persist, which underlays the bias of global climate models in predicting excess shortwave radiation reaching the ocean surface between 55°S and Antarctica. In this study, we used the 6-month acquisition of INP data on four MARCUS cruises from Hobart, Tasmania, to Antarctica, and the single-location full annual INP cycle observed in MICRE, to gain a holistic, quantitative picture of the INP number concentrations as a function of temperature and their variability over SO latitudes from 43°S to Antarctica. Augmenting initial processing of filter collections of aerosol particles during MARCUS and MICRE, additional freezing studies following thermal treatment (to removes INPs associated with microbes) and peroxide treatment (to remove all organics), as well as ionic chemistry and total organic carbon analysis, were applied to samples to improve time and space resolution, and differentiate marine from terrestrial contributions. We also performed Next Generation Sequencing to determine that bacterial composition can tag periods of enhanced and degraded marine organic INPs and the relative lack of occurrence of land-sourced bio-particles. Through these and other analyses, INP data were categorized into representative source types (e.g., marine versus terrestrially-influenced). The products of our analyses are being used to parameterize ice formation for use in numerical modeling studies to determine if, and when, ocean-derived INPs control the microphysical composition and radiative balance of SO clouds in a manner not presently captured by global models. The specific objectives and approaches proposed were largely accomplished, including: 1) Additional and value-added chemical and biological analyses of archived samples of aerosols were completed to categorize and quantify INP types and concentrations over the SO. 2) Analyses were completed to place INP data in meteorological and aerosol context. 3) Sea spray aerosol INPs were demonstrated to dominate the SO region in all but episodic events. 4) New parameterizations for INP sources relevant to the SO were constructed. 5) Collaborative modeling studies demonstrating the crucial role of INPs in determining cloud radiative and precipitation properties were conducted with MARCUS and MICRE partners. Collaborative publication submissions in this regard ensued within the two year study. This work will advance the science of interactions of aerosols, clouds and precipitation, to improve their representation in regional and global climate models. Results have informed representation of primary ice crystal nucleation, give inference to the role of secondary processes, and improve investigations of aerosol influences on clouds via ice nucleation over SO high latitudes and similar vast ocean regions. Application will improve representation of such interactions for clouds in both regional and global climate models. The data base and analyses methods applied will continue to serve research studies in the future.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Developing and Testing a Novel Stochastic Ice Microphysics Parameterization for Cloud and Climate Models Using ARM Field Campaign Data (Final Progress Report)

The major goals of this project were: 1) to use field campaign measurements from DOE’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program to characterize variability of important parameters describing properties of ice particles in the atmosphere; 2) based on this observational analysis, to develop a parameterization scheme for weather and climate models that stochastically varies these parameters, and implement the new scheme into a weather model called the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF); 3) to use WRF coupled with the new stochastic scheme to simulate ARM field campaign thunderstorm cases and analyze how accounting for this parameter variability affects the model simulations. This work was performed jointly between the National Center for Atmospheric Research, University of Oklahoma, and University of Utah. To accomplish these goals, we extended an approach previously developed to characterize the variability in the size distribution of ice particles to parameters that are explicitly represented in models (i.e., relationships between ice particle mass and size, and between particle fall velocity and size). Our project was, to our knowledge, the first to apply observationally-constrained estimates of this parameter variability describing mass-size and fall velocity-size in a modeling framework. Our results showed efficacy of the approach, evaluated using ARM observations. Similarly, to our knowledge, work in this project was the first to propose and evaluate in detail a stochastic approach for unresolved turbulent mixing in high-resolution model simulations against detailed, benchmark large eddy simulations and ARM observations. Results showed some promising behavior, particularly with increased mixing and dilution of air in thunderstorm cores with surrounding environmental air, bringing the stochastic simulations closer to the benchmark large eddy simulations; however, results were somewhat degraded using stochastic mixing compared to observations from the AMIE/DYNAMO field campaign. This project also further refined and applied a modeling methodology called “piggybacking” that can robustly separate dynamical and thermodynamic impacts of model changes, and comparison studies of different models based on cases developed from ARM observations. Finally, this project directly supported three graduate students who completed their PhDs as well as a postdoctoral research fellow.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of spectrophotometric observations of Venus in the 3-4 micron region

Spectrophotometric data of Venus in the 3-4 micron region are analyzed in the context of current ideas concerning cloud properties. The results show that a homogeneous cloud model, using a unimodal particle size distribution compatible with the results of previous polarization studies, cannot satisfactorily explain the infrared observations. Assuming a composition of 75% H2SO4, agreement is possible if an upper layer of smaller particles is added to the homogeneous cloud. This inhomogeneous cloud structure, however, is not in agreement with the polarization results. Other models, involving bimodal particle size distributions, were also unsuccessful in explaining both sets of observations in a consistent manner.

Martonchik, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Surface analysis of space telescope material specimens

Qualitative and quantitative data on Space Telescope materials which were exposed to low Earth orbital atomic oxygen in a controlled experiment during the 41-G (STS-17) mission were obtained utilizing the experimental techniques of Rutherford backscattering (RBS), particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), and ellipsometry (ELL). The techniques employed were chosen with a view towards appropriateness for the sample in question, after consultation with NASA scientific personnel who provided the material specimens. A group of eight samples and their controls selected by NASA scientists were measured before and after flight. Information reported herein include specimen surface characterization by ellipsometry techniques, a determination of the thickness of the evaporated metal specimens by RBS, and a determination of trace impurity species present on and within the surface by PIXE.

Fromhold, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Near-infrared light from Venus' nightside - A spectroscopic analysis

The near-IR spectra of the Venus nightside emission are here simulated by means of a radiative transfer code that allows for emission, absorption, and scattering by atmospheric gases and particles. An effort is made to assess the adequacy of current gas data bases in simulating Venus' nightside near-IR spectra and, within these limitations, to derive information on gas abundances below the main clouds and these clouds' optical thickness. It is in this way established that the HITRAN data base for the permitted transitions of CO2 is completely inadequate for simulating the Venus nightside near-IR emissions.

Pollack, James B.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Micrometeoroids and debris on LDEF comparison with MIR data

Part of the LDEF tray allocated to French experiments (FRECOPA) has been devoted to the study of dust particles. The tray was located on the face of LDEF directly opposed to the velocity vector. Crater size distributions have made possible the evaluation of the incident microparticle flux in the near-Earth environment. Comparisons are made with measurements obtained on the other faces of LDEF (tray clamps), on the leading edge (MAP) and with results of a similar experiment flown on the MIR space station. The geometry of impact craters, depth in particular, provides useful information on the nature of impacting particles and the correlation of geometry with the chemical analysis of projectile remnants inside craters make possible a discrimination between meteoroids and orbital debris. Emphasis has been laid on the size distribution of small craters in order to assess a cut-off in the distribution of particles in LEO. Special attention has been paid to the phenomenon of secondary impacts. A comparison of flight data with current models of meteoroids and space debris shows a fair agreement for LDEF, except for the smaller particles: the possible contribution of orbital debris in GTO orbits to the LDEF trailing edge flux is discussed. For MIR, flight results show differences with current modeling: the possible enhancement of orbital debris could be due to the contaminating presence of a permanently manned space station.

Mandeville, Jean-Claude↗
DOE OSTI2021

Holistic Numerical Calibration of the iMESA Electrostatic Analyzer

A drifted Maxwellian velocity distribution is the most common model used to interpret the data from low-energy charged-particle instruments onboard spacecraft that are used to investigate the ambient plasma environment in the low Earth orbit (LEO). An original method is presented for determining the flow parameters (density, temperature, and flow energy) of such a distribution from the output of the integrated miniaturized electrostatic analyzer, which has been successfully flown on several LEO missions. Rather than attempting to deconvolve from the on-orbit data the analyzer’s response to an ideal, monoenergetic input, numerical simulation is used to predict and parameterize the response of the device to an input distribution that includes an isotropic, non-zero temperature, yielding a straightforward method for extracting the flow parameters from the spacecraft data. The method is computationally simple enough to be incorporated into a robust algorithm suitable for rapid batch processing or real-time analysis of data.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗